Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Newly Diagonised w/ IMHA

Hi All, My 7yo 18lb mixed breed (mini Schn/jap chin) Bugy was recently diagonised with IMHA. We are two weeks out from diagonis. He was hospitilized for 5 days and recieved 1 transfusion. When he arrived his PCV level was 11. He has been between 12-18 for the last week. He was sent home on 60mg Cyclosporine, 15mg Predisone, 5mg Pepsid AC and 2.5mg asprin all taken tice daily except the aspirin. His energy level is low and he is not eating alot. He seems to only want human food, Turkey,Chicken, Cheese, althrough he will eat Aplo Prime Slices in small amounts. Can anyone tell me what to expect and does anyone have any advice ? I hope we made the right decision when we decided to treat him but when I look in his eyes I don't see that spark that was always there. Happy Holidays, Lisa

Lisa Rhode Island

Lisa, I am so very sorry your most beloved Bugy has recently been diganosed with IMHA. While AIHA/IMHA is a very difficult disease, dogs who have been diganosed with it CAN and DO surive and go on to live happy healthy lives. If you have not read my Web site on AIHA/IMHA as yet, you might want to do so when you can. The URL is http://www.cloudnet.com/~jdickson/ Be sure to follow the links on the first page to many other sites on AIHA/IMHA that will be very helpful to you and do read the Success Stories pages. They will show you what has worked for other dogs in terms of treatment options as well as give you a lot of HOPE. I know this is so hard so please be assured you and your dear Bugy are in my thoughts and prayers during these most difficult days. Please do hang in there, since dogs with AIHA/IMHA can take a long time to start the recovery process, and even then there can be set backs but it is all worth it. I would do it in a heartbeat again if give the opportunity.

Joanne MN

Hi Lisa, Let me begin by saying I am so very sorry that you have had to join us here as a parent of an IMHA fur baby. And also let me say that you definately made the right decision to help treat Bugy!! This disease is manageable, but it takes work and determination. Yet everyone here loves their babies and we would do anything for them. My miniature dachshund Tipsi was diagnosed 3 months ago. She went into the the NC STATE Veterinary Teaching Hospital with a PCV of 14. Her gums were completely white and she had no energy at all. The first night there, she had a blood transfusion. Her PCV climbed to 21 and then the next day her body had destroyed it and she was down to 15. She spent 2 weeks in ICU there and battled acute renal failure, pancreatitis, Evan's Syndrome, DIC, and slight tachycardia with her heart. Of course with all that she was up against we weren't sure if we were making the right decision with letting her fight, but it's now 3 months later and Tipsi is thriving and back to her normal self. Her PCV level at her last blood draw was 48. We were so happy! She is still on high levels of prednisone and cyclosporin, however we are on a slow pace of lowering her dosages, but it will be a while before she is down to a minimal dose. Considering you and Bugy are only 2 weeks out from diagnosis he is not going to be his normal self. It took Tipsi several weeks to get any energy back. Her appetite also wasn't up to what it had been. But it just takes time. So hang in there! And once Bugy's energy is back you will have to watch his appetite because the prednisone will make it go through the roof! Tipsi is hungry all the time. Please hang in there and know that you have come to a great place for support and information! We have all been in your shoes at some point. Take care, Layla & Tipsi

Layla Brantley Raleigh NC

Lisa...Hang in there, he will get better. It is a long rollercoaster ride with these dogs. They are not in pain, but have very little energy due to the anemia. WE have been doing this since July, 07 Regards, Ron

Ron B San Mateo

UPDATE: We just returned fromthe Vet for another PCV. Good news Bygy's PCV level was 22 !!! The highest it's been since he was diaignosed two weeks ago. Lisa :)

Lisa Rhode Island

Lisa, sorry to hear about your dog getting this dreadful illness, but it's 22 PCV is good! Hopefully, it'll stay high and put this illness in remission, like I've read here. My dog and I have been fighting it for over a month now, and hopefully, soon the vet will feel assured enough to start decreasing my dog's pred. She's getting abit round these days...

Al Florida

Lisa, This disease can be a real roller coaster ride emotionally, but for the dogs that do make it every dip is worth the ride. The best thing you can do is to educate yourself on it so you know what you are facing and know that there is tremendous support just a key stroke away. Sending out warm thoughts to you and yours. Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

keep fighting, it is worth it and i wish you and your puppy luck.

josh cali

It is worth the try. We tried with our 4 year old golden, but lost him after 8 days in icU. However, he was also facint a dying liver cause by the 6 month heartworm preventative, proheart6. I don't think he had a chance, but he fought and we gave it our all---and do not regret it for one minute. Here is wishing you the best of luck with your little guy. He may be one of the lucky ones that ends up with a long life depiste the disease.

Sandra TExas

This thread was discussed between 24/12/2007 and 27/12/2007

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